Air cleaner arrangement; serviceable filter cartridge; and, methods

ABSTRACT

Principles, techniques and configurations applicable in air cleaner arrangements and filter cartridges therefore, are described. In general the filter cartridge includes an axial pivot arrangement, for pivoting the filter cartridge in place, when mounted in an air cleaner for use. The air cleaner may include a base pivot, for engagement with the pivot projection on the filter cartridge. Methods of assembly, installation and use are described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The current application is a continuing application of U.S. Ser. No.11/630,063, filed Dec. 18, 2006 as a National Stage ofPCT/US2005/021255, filed Jun. 16, 2005. The application includes thedisclosures of, with edits: U.S. Ser. No. 11/630,063; U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/584,107 filed Jun. 30, 2004; U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/580,813 filed Jun. 18, 2004 and PCT/S2005/021255,filed Jun. 16, 2005 and published as WO 2006/009766. The completedisclosures of U.S. Ser. No. 11/630,063; 60/584,107; and, 60/580,813 andPCT/US2005/021255 are incorporated herein by reference. A claim ofpriority is made to the each of the filings, to the extent appropriate.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to air cleaners and to components for aircleaners. This disclosure particularly concerns air cleaners of a typeuseable for cleaning intake air for engines. Methods of assembly and useare also provided.

BACKGROUND

Fluid streams, such as air and liquid, can carry contaminant materialtherein. In many instances, it is desired to filter some or all of thecontaminant material from the fluid stream. For example, air flowstreams to engines (for example combustion air) for motorized vehiclesor for power generation equipment, gas streams to gas turbine systemsand air streams to various combustion furnaces, carry particulatecontaminant therein that should be filtered. It is preferred for suchsystems, that selected contaminant material been removed from (or haveits level reduced in) the fluid. A variety of fluid filter (for exampleair filter) arrangements have been developed for contaminant reduction.However, continued improvements are sought.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to techniques and arrangements useable inassociation with air cleaners for vehicles and equipment, such as aircleaners for intake air to diesel powered systems. The techniques can beused together, for example as shown in the embodiments. However, it isnot necessary for arrangements to utilize all of the techniquescharacterized herein, to obtain advantage from the present teachings.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a serviceable filtercartridge. The term “serviceable” in this context is meant to refer to acartridge that is installed in, and then removed and replaced withrespect to, an air cleaner in use. The preferred filter cartridge asdisclosed comprises a z-filter media pack as described herein, defininginlet and outlet flow faces. The z-filter media pack generally comprisesa plurality of inlet and outlet flutes, extending between opposite inletand outlet flow faces.

Secured to the media pack, as selected for specific intended advantages,are various possible features. Included among these are: an outlet endperimeter band or rim; a grid arrangement across the outlet end of themedia pack; a housing seal arrangement secured to the outlet end rim orband; an axial pivot arrangement, preferably positioned on a bottom ofthe filter cartridge during installation; and, a handle arrangement,preferably including a handle having an extended position and aretracted position. Preferably a strike plate is included at a top ofthe element, to engage the handle when in the retracted position. Also,preferably at the inlet end of the media pack there is provided aperimeter rim or band.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an air cleaner isprovided, for use with a filter cartridge. The preferred air cleanerincludes an inlet end and an outlet end, and an access or service cover.When the service cover is removed, the filter cartridge can bepositioned in an inside of the housing. Cam or guide arrangements areprovided along side walls of the housing, to engage the filter cartridgeand facilitate insertion. Also provided in the housing is a pivotmember, for engagement with the axial pivot arrangement on the filtercartridge during installation. In general, the pivot arrangements arepositioned such that: there is no engagement between them until afterthe filter cartridge has been inserted into the housing; and, onceengaged the filter cartridge can be rocked into a sealed position ortilted back out of that sealed position, with a point for leverage beingthe location of engagement between the pivot arrangements.

Also provided are methods for installation and removal, using thegeneral techniques characterized previously.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, schematic, perspective view of an example ofz-filter media useable in arrangements according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a portion of the mediadepicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of examples of various corrugated mediadefinitions.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a process for manufacturing mediaaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an optional end dart for mediaflutes useable in arrangements according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an upper outlet end perspective view of an air cleanerassembly according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a view analogous to FIG. 6, depicting the air cleaner assemblywith a service or access cover removed.

FIG. 8 is a depiction of the air cleaner assembly of FIGS. 6 and 7, withan access cover removed and showing a first step of removing aninternally received serviceable filter cartridge from the air cleanerassembly, after the service cover is removed.

FIG. 9 is a view analogous to FIG. 8, depicted further along a processof removal of a serviceable filter cartridge.

FIG. 10 is a view analogous to FIGS. 8 and 9, after complete removal ofthe air filter cartridge.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a filter cartridge configured tobe internally received within air cleaner assembly of FIG. 6, depictedwith a handle in an upper extended orientation.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a coiled z-filter media constructionuseable in the filter cartridge of FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 is a view of a filter cartridge analogous to FIG. 11, with ahandle in a lower or retracted configuration.

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view filter cartridge depicted in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary schematic view depicting filter cartridge ofFIG. 13 during a step of installation in the air cleaner assembly ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view analogous to FIG. 14, after completeinstallation and sealing.

FIG. 16 is a schematic outlet end perspective view of an air cleanerhousing for the air cleaner assembly of FIG. 6, depicted with an accesscover removed and without an internally received filter cartridge.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of the housing component of FIG. 16, from adifferent orientation.

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing componentdepicted in FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a schematic depiction of the filter cartridge of FIG. 11shown during a step of engagement during insertion with a side portionof the housing component of FIGS. 16-18, shown in phantom.

FIG. 20 is a schematic fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generallyalong line 20-20, FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is an outlet end elevational view of a filter cartridge of FIG.12.

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a bottom plan view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an inside surface of a service oraccess cover for the air cleaner assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 25 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion of an aircleaner filter cartridge depicted during a step of positioning of aservice cover in the air cleaner assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 26 is a view analogous to FIG. 25, depicted after cover placementon the housing.

FIG. 27 is a schematic depiction of a system including an air cleanerassembly according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary schematic view of a step of inserting a filtercartridge into a housing according to a second embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a view analogous to FIG. 28, during a step of furtherinsertion.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is analogous to FIGS. 28 and 30, depicting still furtherinsertion.

FIG. 33 is a depiction analogous to FIG. 32, after a step of rocking thecartridge forward and lowering a handle arrangement.

FIG. 34 is a schematic depiction of a filter cartridge according toFIGS. 28-33, engaging a forward cam or guide arrangement and a biasingor guide arrangement during a step of insertion.

FIG. 35 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line 35-35,FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a view analogous to FIG. 30, of a alternate embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Z-Filter Media Configurations Generally

Fluted filter media can be used to provide fluid filter constructions ina variety of manners. One well known manner is as a z-filterconstruction. The term “z-filter construction” as used herein, is meantto refer to a filter construction in which individual ones ofcorrugated, folded or otherwise formed filter flutes are used to definesets of longitudinal, typically parallel, inlet and outlet filter flutesfor fluid flow through the media; the fluid flowing along the length ofthe flutes between opposite inlet and outlet flow ends (or flow faces)of the media. Some examples of z-filter media are provided in U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,820,646; 5,772,883; 5,902,364; 5,792,247; 5,895,574; 6,210,469;6,190,432; 6,350,296; 6,179,890; 6,235,195; Des. 399,944; Des. 428,128;Des. 396,098; Des. 398,046; and, Des. 437,401; each of these fifteencited references being incorporated herein by reference.

One type of z-filter media, utilizes two specific media componentsjoined together, to form the media construction. The two components are:(1) a fluted (typically corrugated) media sheet; and, (2) a facing mediasheet. The facing media sheet is typically non-corrugated, however itcan be corrugated, for example perpendicularly to the flute direction asdescribed in U.S. provisional 60/543,804, filed Feb. 11, 2004,incorporated herein by reference. The facing sheet may sometimes becharacterized as flat, even when it is coiled in the filterconstruction.

The fluted (typically corrugated) media sheet and the facing media sheettogether, are used to define media having parallel inlet and outletflutes. In some instances, the fluted sheet and non-fluted sheet aresecured together and are then coiled to form a z-filter mediaconstruction. Such arrangements are described, for example, in U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,235,195 and 6,179,890, each of which is incorporated herein byreference. In certain other arrangements, some non-coiled sections ofcorrugated media secured to facing media, are stacked on one another, tocreate a filter construction. An example of this is described in FIG. 11of U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,646, incorporated herein by reference.

For specific applications as described herein, coiled arrangements arepreferred.

Typically, coiling of the fluted sheet/facing sheet combination arounditself, to create a coiled media pack, is conducted with the facingsheet directed outwardly. Some techniques for coiling are described inU.S. provisional application 60/467,521, filed May 2, 2003 and PCTApplication US 04/07927, filed Mar. 17, 2004, each of which isincorporated herein by reference. The resulting coiled arrangementgenerally has, as the outer surface of the media pack, a portion of thefacing sheet, as a result.

The term “corrugated” used herein to refer to structure in media, ismeant to refer to a flute structure resulting from passing the mediabetween two corrugation rollers, i.e., into a nip or bite between tworollers, each of which has surface features appropriate to cause acorrugation affect in the resulting media. The term “corrugation” is notmeant to refer to flutes that are formed by techniques not involvingpassage of media into a bite between corrugation rollers. However, theterm “corrugated” is meant to apply even if the media is furthermodified or deformed after corrugation, for example by the foldingtechniques described in PCT WO 04/007054, published Jan. 22, 2004,incorporated herein by reference.

Corrugated media is a specific form of fluted media. Fluted media ismedia which has individual flutes (for example formed by corrugating oralternatively folding) extending thereacross.

Serviceable filter element or filter cartridge configurations utilizingz-filter media are sometimes referred to as “straight through flowconfigurations” or by variants thereof. In general, in this context whatis meant is that the serviceable filter elements generally have an inletflow end (or face) and an opposite exit flow end (or face), with flowentering and exiting the filter cartridge in generally the same straightthrough direction, referenced herein as an axial direction. The term“serviceable” in this context is meant to refer to a media containingfilter cartridge that is periodically removed and replaced from acorresponding fluid cleaner. In some instances, each of the inlet flowend and outlet flow end will be generally flat or planar, with the twoparallel to one another. However, variations from this, for examplenon-planar faces, are possible.

A straight through flow configuration (especially for a coiled mediapack) is, for example, in contrast to serviceable filter cartridges suchas cylindrical pleated filter cartridges of the type shown in U.S. Pat.No. 6,039,778, incorporated herein by reference, in which the flowgenerally makes a turn as its passes through the serviceable cartridge.That is, in a U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,778 filter, the flow enters thecylindrical filter cartridge through a cylindrical side, and then turnsto exit through an end face (in forward-flow systems). In a typicalreverse-flow system, the flow enters the serviceable cylindricalcartridge through an end face and then turns to exit through a side ofthe cylindrical filter cartridge. An example of such a reverse-flowsystem is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,992, incorporated by referenceherein.

The term “z-filter media construction” and variants thereof as usedherein, without more, is meant to refer to any or all of: a web ofcorrugated or otherwise fluted media secured to (facing) media withappropriate sealing to allow for definition of inlet and outlet flutes;or, such a media coiled or otherwise constructed or formed into a threedimensional network of inlet and outlet flutes; and/or, a filterconstruction including such media.

In FIG. 1, an example of media 1 useable as z-filter media is shown. Themedia 1 is formed from a corrugated sheet 3 and a facing sheet 4.

In general, the corrugated sheet 3, FIG. 1 is of a type generallycharacterized herein as having a regular, curved, wave pattern of flutesor corrugations 7. The term “wave pattern” in this context, is meant torefer to a flute or corrugated pattern of alternating troughs 7 b andridges 7 a. The term “regular” in this context is meant to refer to thefact that the pairs of troughs and ridges (7 b, 7 a) alternate withgenerally the same repeating corrugation (or flute) shape and size.(Also, typically in a regular configuration each trough 7 b issubstantially an inverse of each ridge 7 a.) The term “regular” is thusmeant to indicate that the corrugation (or flute) pattern comprisestroughs and ridges with each pair (comprising an adjacent trough andridge) repeating, without substantial modification in size and shape ofthe corrugations along at least 70% of the length of the flutes. Theterm “substantial” in this context, refers to a modification resultingfrom a change in the process or form used to create the corrugated orfluted sheet, as opposed to minor variations from the fact that themedia sheet 3 is flexible. With respect to the characterization of arepeating pattern, it is not meant that in any given filterconstruction, an equal number of ridges and troughs is necessarilypresent. The media 1 could be terminated, for example, between a paircomprising a ridge and a trough, or partially along a pair comprising aridge and a trough. (For example, in FIG. 1 the media 1 depicted infragmentary has eight complete ridges 7 a and seven complete troughs 7b.) Also, the opposite flute ends (ends of the troughs and ridges) mayvary from one another. Such variations in ends are disregarded in thesedefinitions, unless specifically stated. That is, variations in the endsof flutes are intended to be covered by the above definitions.

In the context of the characterization of a “curved” wave pattern ofcorrugations, the term “curved” is meant to refer to a corrugationpattern that is not the result of a folded or creased shape provided tothe media, but rather the apex 7 a of each ridge and the bottom 7 b ofeach trough is formed along a radiused curve. Although alternatives arepossible, a typical radius for such z-filter media would be at least0.25 mm and typically would be not more than 3 mm.

An additional characteristic of the particular regular, curved, wavepattern depicted in FIG. 1, for the corrugated sheet 3, is that atapproximately a midpoint 30 between each trough and each adjacent ridge,along most of the length of the flutes 7, is located a transition regionwhere the curvature inverts. For example, viewing back side or face 3 a,FIG. 1, trough 7 b is a concave region, and ridge 7 a is a convexregion. Of course when viewed toward front side or face 3 b, trough 7 bof side 3 a forms a ridge; and, ridge 7 a of face 3 a, forms a trough.(In some instances, region 30 can be a straight segment, instead of apoint, with curvature inverting at ends of the segment 30.)

A characteristic of the particular regular, curved, wave patterncorrugated sheet 3 shown in FIG. 1, is that the individual corrugationsare generally straight. By “straight” in this context, it is meant thatthrough at least 70%, typically at least 80% of the length between edges8 and 9, the ridges 7 a and troughs 7 b do not change substantially incross-section. The term “straight” in reference to corrugation patternshown in FIG. 1, in part distinguishes the pattern from the taperedflutes of corrugated media described in FIG. 1 of WO 97/40918 and PCTPublication WO 03/47722, published Jun. 12, 2003, incorporated herein byreference. The tapered flutes of FIG. 1 of WO 97/40918, for example,would be a curved wave pattern, but not a “regular” pattern, or apattern of straight flutes, as the terms are used herein.

Referring to the present FIG. 1 and as referenced above, the media 1 hasfirst and second opposite edges 8 and 9. When the media 1 is coiled andformed into a media pack, in general edge 9 will form an inlet end forthe media pack and edge 8 an outlet end, although an oppositeorientation is possible.

Although alternatives are possible, adjacent edge 8 is provided asealant bead 10, sealing the corrugated sheet 3 and the facing sheet 4together. Bead 10 will sometimes be referred to as a “single facer”bead, since it is a bead between the corrugated sheet 3 and facing sheet4, which forms the single facer or media strip 1. Sealant bead 10 sealsclosed individual flutes 11 adjacent edge 8, to passage of airtherefrom. (Bead 14 could alternatively be the single facer bead, andoften would be.)

Although alternatives are possible, adjacent edge 9, is provided sealbead 14. Seal bead 14 generally closes flutes 15 to passage ofunfiltered fluid therein, adjacent edge 9. Bead 14 would typically beapplied as the media 1 is coiled about itself, with the corrugated sheet3 directed to the inside. Thus bead 14 will form a seal between a backside 17 of facing sheet 4, and side 18 of the corrugated sheet 3. Thebead 14 will sometimes be referred to as a “winding bead” since it istypically applied, as the strip 1 is coiled into a coiled media pack. Ifthe media 1 is cut in strips and stacked, instead of coiled, bead 14would be a “stacking bead.” (In some instances bead 14 would be a singlefacer bead, and bead 10 the winding or stacking bead.)

Referring to FIG. 1, once the media 1 is incorporated into a media pack,for example by coiling or stacking, it can be operated as follows.First, air in the direction of arrows 12, would enter open flutes 11adjacent end 9. Due to the closure at end 8, by bead 10, the air wouldpass through the media shown by arrows 13. It could then exit the mediapack, by passage through open ends 15 a of the flutes 15, adjacent end 8of the media pack. Of course operation could be conducted with air flowin the opposite direction.

For the particular arrangement shown herein in FIG. 1, the parallelcorrugations 7 a, 7 b are generally straight completely across themedia, from edge 8 to edge 9. Straight flutes or corrugations can bedeformed or folded at selected locations, especially at ends.Modifications at flute ends for closure are generally disregarded in theabove definitions of “regular,” “curved” and “wave pattern.”

Z-filter constructions which do not utilize straight, regular curvedwave pattern corrugation shapes are known. For example in Yamada et al.U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,825 corrugation patterns which utilize somewhatsemicircular (in cross section) inlet flutes adjacent narrow V-shaped(with curved sides) exit flutes are shown (see FIGS. 1 and 3, of U.S.Pat. No. 5,562,825). In Matsumoto, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,326circular (in cross-section) or tubular flutes defined by one sheethaving half tubes attached to another sheet having half tubes, with flatregions between the resulting parallel, straight, flutes are shown, seeFIG. 2 of Matsumoto '326. In Ishii, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,561(FIG. 1) flutes folded to have a rectangular cross section are shown, inwhich the flutes taper along their lengths. In WO 97/40918 (FIG. 1),flutes or parallel corrugations which have a curved, wave patterns (fromadjacent curved convex and concave troughs) but which taper along theirlengths (and thus are not straight) are shown. Also, in WO 97/40918flutes which have curved wave patterns, but with different sized ridgesand troughs, are shown.

In general, the filter media is a relatively flexible material,typically a non-woven fibrous material (of cellulose fibers, syntheticfibers or both) often including a resin therein, sometimes treated withadditional materials. Thus, it can be conformed or configured into thevarious corrugated patterns, without unacceptable media damage. Also, itcan be readily coiled or otherwise configured for use, again withoutunacceptable media damage. Of course, it must be of a nature such thatit will maintain the required corrugated configuration, during use.

In the corrugation process, an inelastic deformation is caused to themedia. This prevents the media from returning to its original shape.However, once the tension is released the flute or corrugations willtend to spring back, recovering only a portion of the stretch andbending that has occurred. The facing sheet is sometimes tacked to thefluted sheet, to inhibit this spring back in the corrugated sheet.

Also, typically, the media contains a resin. During the corrugationprocess, the media can be heated to above the glass transition point ofthe resin. When the resin then cools, it will help to maintain thefluted shapes.

The media of the corrugated sheet 3 facing sheet 4 or both, can beprovided with a fine fiber material on one or both sides thereof, forexample in accord with U.S. Pat. No. 6,673,136, incorporated herein byreference.

An issue with respect to z-filter constructions relates to closing ofthe individual flute ends. Typically a sealant or adhesive is provided,to accomplish the closure. As is apparent from the discussion above, intypical z-filter media, especially that which uses straight flutes asopposed to tapered flutes, large sealant surface areas (and volume) atboth the upstream end and the downstream end are needed. High qualityseals at these locations are critical to proper operation of the mediastructure that results. The high sealant volume and area, creates issueswith respect to this.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 2, in which a z-filter mediaconstruction 40 utilizing a regular, curved, wave pattern corrugatedsheet 43, and a non-corrugated flat sheet 44, is depicted. The distanceD1, between points 50 and 51, defines the extension of flat media 44 inregion 52 underneath a given corrugated flute 53. The length D2 of thearcuate media for the corrugated flute 53, over the same distance D1,is, of course, larger than D1, due to the shape of the corrugated flute53. For a typical regular shaped media used in fluted filterapplications, the linear length D2 of the media 53 between points 50 and51 will generally be at least 1.2 times D1. Typically, D2 would bewithin a range of 1.2-2.0, inclusive. One particularly convenientarrangement for air filters has a configuration in which D2 is about1.25-1.35×D1. Such media has, for example, been used commercially inDonaldson Powercore™ Z-filter arrangements. Herein the ratio D2/D1 willsometimes be characterized as the flute/flat ratio or media draw for thecorrugated media.

In the corrugated cardboard industry, various standard flutes have beendefined. For example the standard E flute, standard X flute, standard Bflute, standard C flute and standard

A flute. FIG. 3, attached, in combination with Table A below providesdefinitions of these flutes.

Donaldson Company, Inc., (DCI) the assignee of the present disclosure,has used variations of the standard A and standard B flutes, in avariety of z-filter arrangements. These flutes are also defined in TableA and FIG. 3.

TABLE A (Flute definitions for FIG. 3) DCI A Flute: Flute/flat = 1.52:1;The Radii (R) are as follows: R1000 = .0675 inch (1.715 mm); R1001 =.0581 inch (1.476 mm); R1002 = .0575 inch (1.461 mm); R1003 = .0681 inch(1.730 mm); DCI B Flute: Flute/flat = 1.32:1; The Radii (R) are asfollows: R1004 = .0600 inch (1.524 mm); R1005 = .0520 inch (1.321 mm);R1006 = .0500 inch (1.270 mm); R1007 = .0620 inch (1.575 mm); Std. EFlute: Flute/flat = 1.24:1; The Radii (R) are as follows: R1008 = .0200inch (.508 mm); R1009 = .0300 inch (.762 mm); R1010 = .0100 inch (.254mm); R1011 = .0400 inch (1.016 mm); Std. X Flute: Flute/flat = 1.29:1;The Radii (R) are as follows: R1012 = .0250 inch (.635 mm); R1013 =.0150 inch (.381 mm); Std. B Flute: Flute/flat = 1.29:1; The Radii (R)are as follows: R1014 = .0410 inch (1.041 mm); R1015 = .0310 inch (.7874mm); R1016 = .0310 inch (.7874 mm); Std. C Flute: Flute/flat = 1.46:1;The Radii (R) are as follows: R1017 = .0720 inch (1.829 mm); R1018 =.0620 inch (1.575 mm); Std. A Flute: Flute/flat = 1.53:1; The Radii (R)are as follows: R1019 = .0720 inch (1.829 mm); R1020 = .0620 inch (1.575mm).

Of course other, standard, flutes definitions from the corrugated boxindustry are known.

In general, standard flute configurations from the corrugated boxindustry can be used to define corrugation shapes or approximatecorrugation shapes for corrugated media. Comparisons above between theDCI A flute and DCI B flute, and the corrugation industry standard A andstandard B flutes, indicate some convenient variations.

II. Manufacture of Coiled Media Configurations Using Fluted MediaGenerally

In FIG. 4, one example of a manufacturing process for making a mediastrip corresponding to strip 1, FIG. 1 is shown. In general, facingsheet 64 and the fluted (corrugated) sheet 66 having flutes 68 arebrought together to form a media web 69, with an adhesive bead locatedtherebetween at 70. The adhesive bead 70 will form a single facer bead.An optional darting process occurs at station 71 to form center dartedsection 72 located mid-web. The z-filter media or Z-media strip 74 canbe cut or slit at 75 along the bead 70 to create two pieces 76, 77 ofz-filter media 74, each of which has an edge with a strip of sealant(single facer bead) extending between the corrugating and facing sheet.Of course, if the optional darting process is used, the edge with astrip of sealant (single facer bead) would also have a set of flutesdarted at this location.

Techniques for conducting a process as characterized with respect toFIG. 4 are described in PCT WO 04/007054, published Jan. 22, 2004incorporated herein by reference.

Still in reference to FIG. 4, before the z-filter media 74 is putthrough the darting station 71 and eventually slit at 75, it must beformed. In the schematic shown in FIG. 4, this is done by passing asheet of media 92 through a pair of corrugation rollers 94, 95. In theschematic shown in FIG. 4, the sheet of media 92 is unrolled from a roll96, wound around tension rollers 98, and then passed through a nip orbite 102 between the corrugation rollers 94, 95. The corrugation rollers94, 95 have teeth 104 that will give the general desired shape of thecorrugations after the sheet 92 passes through the nip 102. Afterpassing through the nip 102, the sheet 92 becomes corrugated and isreferenced at 66 as the corrugated sheet. The corrugated sheet 66 isthen secured to facing sheet 64. (The corrugation process may involveheating the media, in some instances.)

Still in reference to FIG. 4, the process also shows the facing sheet 64being routed to the darting process station 71. The facing sheet 64 isdepicted as being stored on a roll 106 and then directed to thecorrugated sheet 66 to form the Z-media 74. The corrugated sheet 66 andthe facing sheet 64 are secured together by adhesive and/or by othermeans (for example by sonic welding).

Referring to FIG. 4, an adhesive line 70 is shown used, to securecorrugated sheet 66 and facing sheet 64 together, as the sealant bead.Alternatively, the sealant bead for forming the facing bead could beapplied as shown as 70 a. If the sealant is applied at 70 a, it may bedesirable to put a gap in the corrugation roller 95, and possibly inboth corrugation rollers 94, 95, to accommodate the bead 70 a.

The type of corrugation provided to the corrugated media is a matter ofchoice, and will be dictated by the corrugation or corrugation teeth ofthe corrugation rollers 94, 95. One preferred corrugation pattern willbe a regular curved wave pattern corrugation, of straight flutes, asdefined herein above. A typical regular curved wave pattern used, wouldbe one in which the distance D2, as defined above, in a corrugatedpattern is at least 1.2 times the distance D1 as defined above. In onepreferred application, typically D2=1.25-1.35×D1. In some instances thetechniques may be applied with curved wave patterns that are not“regular,” including, for example, ones that do not use straight flutes.

As described, the process shown in FIG. 4 can be used to create thecenter darted section 72. FIG. 5 shows, in cross-section, one of theflutes 68 after darting and slitting.

A fold arrangement 118 can be seen to form a darted flute 120 with fourcreases 121 a, 121 b, 121 c, 121 d. The fold arrangement 118 includes aflat first layer or portion 122 that is secured to the facing sheet 64.A second layer or portion 124 is shown pressed against the first layeror portion 122. The second layer or portion 124 is preferably formedfrom folding opposite outer ends 126, 127 of the first layer or portion122.

Still referring to FIG. 5, two of the folds or creases 121 a, 121 b willgenerally be referred to herein as “upper, inwardly directed” folds orcreases. The term “upper” in this context is meant to indicate that thecreases lie on an upper portion of the entire fold 120, when the fold120 is viewed in the orientation of FIG. 5. The term “inwardly directed”is meant to refer to the fact that the fold line or crease line of eachcrease 121 a, 121 b, is directed toward the other.

In FIG. 5, creases 121 c, 121 d, will generally be referred to herein as“lower, outwardly directed” creases. The term “lower” in this contextrefers to the fact that the creases 121 c, 121 d are not located on thetop as are creases 121 a, 121 b, in the orientation of FIG. 5. The term“outwardly directed” is meant to indicate that the fold lines of thecreases 121 c, 121 d are directed away from one another.

The terms “upper” and “lower” as used in this context are meantspecifically to refer to the fold 120, when viewed from the orientationof FIG. 5. That is, they are not meant to be otherwise indicative ofdirection when the fold 120 is oriented in an actual product for use.

Based upon these characterizations and review of FIG. 5, it can be seenthat a preferred regular fold arrangement 118 according to FIG. 5 inthis disclosure is one which includes at least two “upper, inwardlydirected, creases.” These inwardly directed creases are unique and helpprovide an overall arrangement in which the folding does not cause asignificant encroachment on adjacent flutes.

A third layer or portion 128 can also be seen pressed against the secondlayer or portion 124. The third layer or portion 128 is formed byfolding from opposite inner ends 130, 131 of the third layer 128.

Another way of viewing the fold arrangement 118 is in reference to thegeometry of alternating ridges and troughs of the corrugated sheet 66.The first layer or portion 122 is formed from an inverted ridge. Thesecond layer or portion 124 corresponds to a double peak (afterinverting the ridge) that is folded toward, and in preferredarrangements, folded against the inverted ridge.

Techniques for providing the optional dart described in connection withFIG. 5, in a preferred manner, are described in PCT WO 04/007054,incorporated herein by reference. Techniques for coiling the media, withapplication of the winding bead, are described in PCT application US04/07927, filed Mar. 17, 2004, incorporated herein by reference.

Techniques described herein are particularly well adapted for use inmedia packs that result from coiling a single sheet comprising acorrugated sheet/facing sheet combination, i.e., a “single facer” strip.Certain of the techniques can be applied with arrangements that, insteadof being formed by coiling, are formed from a plurality of strips ofsingle facer.

Coiled media pack arrangements can be provided with a variety ofperipheral perimeter definitions. In this context the term “peripheral,perimeter definition” and variants thereof, is meant to refer to theoutside perimeter shape defined, looking at either the inlet end or theoutlet end of the media pack. Typical shapes are circular as describedin PCT WO 04/007054 and PCT application US 04/07927. Other useableshapes are obround, some examples of obround being oval shape. Ingeneral oval shapes have opposite curved ends attached by a pair ofopposite sides. In some oval shapes, the opposite sides are also curved.In other oval shapes, sometimes called racetrack shapes, the oppositesides are generally straight. Racetrack shapes are described for examplein PCT WO 04/007054 and PCT application US 04/07927. In another shapedescribed below in connection with FIG. 11A, the coil has four sides andfour corners, forming a square or rectangular cross-section with roundedcorners.

Another way of describing the peripheral or perimeter shape is bydefining the perimeter resulting from taking a cross-section through themedia pack in a direction orthogonal to the winding axis of the coil.

The flute seals (single facer bead, winding bead or stacking bead) canbe formed from a variety of materials. In various ones of the cited andincorporated references, hot melt or polyurethane seals are described aspossible for various applications.

III. An Example Air Cleaner Assembly

A. General Features of the Air Cleaner Assembly.

The reference numeral 200, FIG. 6, generally depicts an air cleanerassembly according to the present disclosure. The air cleaner assembly200 comprises a housing 202 having a base 202 a with a removable accessor service cover 203 thereon, for service access to an interior 204 ofthe housing 202. Operably positioned within the housing interior 204 isa serviceable filter cartridge 205. By “serviceable” in this context, itis meant that the filter cartridge 205 can be removed and be replacedwithin housing 202 as required.

In general, the housing 202 includes an air flow inlet end opening 210and an air flow outlet end opening 211. During operation, air to befiltered enters housing 202 through opening 210; and, filtered air,after passage through filter cartridge 205, leaves the housing 202through outlet opening 211.

Although alternatives are possible, the particular housing 202 depicted,has a generally rectangular cross-section with: top 215 (comprisingaccess cover 203) and opposite bottom 216; and side 217 with oppositeside 218. The determination of configuration, both external andinternal, will generally be a matter of choice for the particularapplication involved and the space in which the air cleaner assembly 200must be configured to fit. It is noted that for the particular aircleaner assembly 200 depicted, the housing interior 204 geometry alsogenerally reflects the external geometry with: opposite internal top andbottom faces; and opposite internal sides.

For the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, inlet opening 210 is in a planenot parallel to the plane of the outlet opening 211. This is aconfiguration preferred for a particular example of use, althoughalternatives are possible. For example, for some arrangements, the inletand outlet openings could be in planes parallel to one another.

Still referring to FIG. 6, the particular cover 203 shown, includes aplurality of bolt holes 220 thereon, to receive bolts securing cover 203in place on housing base 202 a. A variety of alternate arrangements,depending on the system, can be used to retain a service cover 203 inplace on a remainder of the housing 202.

From review of FIGS. 6-10, a step of servicing air cleaner assembly 200,relating to removal of an internally received filter cartridge 205, willbe understood. In FIG. 7 assembly 200 is depicted with service cover 203removed. In FIG. 8, the assembly 200 is depicted not only with theservice cover removed, but with the filter cartridge 205 axially tippedback (or axially rocked back) in the general direction of arrow 225, outof full sealing engagement with housing base 202 a. Herein, a tip orrock of the filter cartridge 205 from the position shown in FIG. 7 tothe position shown in FIG. 8, will generally be referred to as arearward axial tilt, tip or rock or upstream axial tilt, tip or rock orby a variant thereof. Movement in the opposite direction from theposition shown in FIG. 8, i.e., to the position shown in FIG. 7, willsometimes be referred to as a forward axial tilt, tip or rock ordownstream axial tilt, tip or rock or by a variant thereof.

In FIG. 9, housing base 202 a is shown with filter cartridge 205partially removed as a result of pulling on handle 228 in the generaldirection of arrow 230.

In FIG. 10 assembly 200 is depicted with filter cartridge 205 completelyremoved from housing base 202 a.

Of course it is noted that installation of a filter cartridge 205 inhousing 202 would involve a reverse process, i.e., progression from FIG.10 to FIG. 6.

Detail relating to the preferred features for interaction between theair filter cartridge 205 and the housing 202, are described in detailbelow. From review of FIGS. 6-10, it will be apparent for the particulararrangement depicted, insertion and removal of the filter cartridge 205in the housing 202 generally occurs with initial movement of the filtercartridge 205 generally across (generally orthogonal to) the eventualdirection of air flow from inlet 210 toward outlet 211. Also, movement(axial rock, tip or tilt) of the filter cartridge 205 into, and out of,the sealed orientation (FIG. 7) relative to the unsealed orientation(FIG. 8) preferably involves axial tilt, tip or rock movement with norotational movement around an axis 231, FIG. 10, parallel to filter flowthrough the filter cartridge 205. The term “axial tilt, tip or rockmovement,” and variants thereof, are used herein is meant to refer to amovement in the direction of arrow 225, and the opposite direction, FIG.8, for example with handle 228 moving either toward or away from outlet211. The utilization of the term “axial” in connection with this, ismeant to be a reference to a rock, tilt or tip of the filter cartridge205 generally parallel to a direction of air flow therethrough.

B. The Serviceable Filter Cartridge.

Attention is now directed to the serviceable filter cartridge 205 asviewed in FIG. 10. The preferred filter cartridge 205 depicted includes:filter media pack 235; outlet end framework 236; housing sealarrangement 237; handle arrangement 238, including handle 228; and,inlet end framework 239.

Attention is first directed to the filter media pack 235. Althoughalternatives are possible, for example a stack of single facer strips,the filter media pack 235 preferably comprises a coiled z-filter mediapack with media features generally as characterized above. Theparticular shape of the media pack 235 shown is with: opposite inlet andoutlet flow faces 242, 243; inlet face 242 being viewable in FIG. 11.For the arrangement depicted, flow faces 242, 243 are each generallyplanar, and extend parallel to one another. Alternatives are possible.

The media pack 235 is viewable schematically in FIG. 11A. Referring toFIG. 11A, the media pack 235 includes an outside perimeter formed in ashape having a first pair of opposite (top and bottom) sides 245, 246,FIG. 11; a second pair of opposite sides 247, 248; and, with four curvedcorners 249 therebetween. When made from a coiled strip of media, such aconfiguration has sometimes been characterized as “scround,” acombination of rectangular (or in some instances square) and wound. Theshape is depicted in related to PCT Application US04/03950, filed Feb.10, 2004; and, in a related Provisional Application 60/545,401, filedFeb. 17, 2004. Both of these applications are incorporated herein byreference.

It is noted that a variety of alternate shapes can be used. Theparticular “scround” shape depicted, is convenient for providing a largevolume of z-filter media within the configuration provided by housing202.

It is noted that with coiled arrangements, there is generally a center250 which needs to be closed against passage of air therethrough. If thecoil is around a central core or hub, at 251, the media 249 can besealed thereto with sealant. If the media pack is configured in thecoiled shape without use of a center core, then the center core can be apoured and molded-in-place core, for example in accord with the generalprinciples of U.S. Provisional Application entitled “Z-Filter Media PackArrangement; and, Methods,” filed Jun. 8, 2004, naming Schrage, et al,as inventors, having Express Mail No.: EL 976593997 US, incorporatedherein by reference; or with alternate, appropriately positioned,sealant.

At the end of the media pack coil on the outside of the media pack,there is sometimes a desire or need for a tail end seal at 252, FIG.11A. The tail end seal typically includes two components comprising:

-   -   1. A seal between the corrugated strip and facing strip of the        single facer strip 253; and,    -   2. A seal between the end 252 of the single facer trip 253, and        the next underneath coil.

Both seals can be provided by covering the tail end with a sealant, asfor example shown at seal 254, FIG. 11A. The seal 254 can be formed froma hot melt or molded polyurethane or other seal material, as desired andas the environment of use may dictate.

The techniques described herein can be applied with media packs thatinclude, around an outside of the media (for example the media coil) animpermeable sheath or covering permanently attached to the media pack;or, with arrangements in which the outside surface 254, FIG. 11A, of themedia pack 235 simply comprises an outer surface of the media strip 253.

Attention is now directed to the outlet end framework 236, FIG. 10. Theoutlet end framework 236 generally includes the following components:perimeter band or rim 260, handle support arrangement 261; optional topstrike plate arrangement 262 (not included in FIG. 10, see FIG. 11);outlet end media pack support grid 263; pivot projection 265; and,housing seal support extension 264. (It is noted that in FIG. 10 thefilter cartridge 205 is depicted schematically relative to FIG. 12, andstrike plate 262 is not shown in FIG. 10 but is viewable in FIG. 12.)

In general, perimeter rim 260 is configured to engage and surround anouter wall of the media pack 235 therearound, adjacent outlet face 243.The perimeter rim 260 would typically be secured and sealed to the mediapack 235, by an adhesive/sealant, to avoid leakage therebetween and toprovide for a secure engagement. The perimeter rim 260 will support andprotect the media pack 235 adjacent outlet face 243. Preferably theperimeter rim 260 extends along the media pack 235 from outlet face 243toward inlet face 242, an amount no greater than 50% of the distancebetween faces 242, 243, most preferably an amount no greater than 40% ofthat distance. In this context, the term “perimeter rim” will beunderstood to be the portion at framework 236 that extends completelyaround the media pack 235.

For the particular outlet end framework 236 depicted, the housing sealsupport extension 264 is integral with the perimeter rim 260, FIG. 20.The housing seal support extension 264 includes projection 270 therein,projecting axially outwardly from media pack outlet face 243, to supporthousing seal 237 thereon. It is noted that support extension 264 couldbe configured to extend in the same plane as perimeter rim 260, ifdesired. However for the particular arrangement shown, extension 264 issecured to perimeter rim 260 by transition portion 271; and, transitionportion 271 positions the housing seal support extension 264 over aportion of media pack outlet face 243. Either type of arrangement willbe described herein as a support extension 264 including a projection270 projecting axially outwardly from media pack 249.

The housing seal 237 may comprise a seal member attached to extension270, for example with an adhesive. Alternatively the seal 237 couldcomprise a seal material molded to extension 270. In general, anarrangement molded to the extension 270 will be typical and preferred,the seal material 237 typically comprising molded polyurethane. Avariety of molded polyurethanes can be used, for typical arrangements.One of preferred choice comprises foamed polyurethane. Althoughalternatives are possible, the preferred polyurethane will be typicallymolded to an as-molded density of not greater than 30 lbs/cu.ft. (0.48g/cc), typically not less than 10 lbs/cu.ft. (0.16 g/cc). It willtypically be chosen to have a hardness, Shore A, of not greater than 30typically not greater than 22 and usually within the range of 12 to 20.Although alternative, for example harder and more dense, urethanes couldbe used, in general they are not preferred for weight, performance andcost savings. Further, more dense urethanes can make seals that arerather difficult to insert and remove, if the maximum interferencebetween the seal 237 and the housing framework against which the seal isto be made is sufficiently large.

Referring to FIG. 20, it is noted that the outer surface 237 a of thehousing seal 237, is stepped for increasing outer perimeter size insteps from outer axial end 237 b. This provides for a preferredconfiguration, for ease of installation and provision of a secured seal.

Referring to FIG. 10, grid work 263 is positioned in extension acrossoutlet face 243 of the media pack 235, to support the media pack 235against deformation, under air pressure directed toward inlet face 242.The support grid 263 can be integral with the perimeter rim 260 andhousing seal support 264, and would typically be secured to transitionsection 271, FIG. 20, between the two. The particular configuration forthe grid 263 is a matter of choice, as long as appropriate support forthe media pack 235 is provided. The grid 263 can be selected to have anornamental and/or source indicating (trade dress) appearance.

Comparing FIGS. 19 and 21, it will be understood that the handle supportarrangement 261 generally comprises a pair of opposite extensions 268,269, on opposite sides of the perimeter rim 260, each one of extensions268, 269, defining a handle receiving conduit (271, 272 respectively)therethrough. In FIG. 20, extension 268 defining conduit 271 is viewedin cross-section. As will be understood from FIG. 20, extensions 268,269 can be made integral with perimeter rim 260.

Herein above, when it was stated that the perimeter rim 260 preferablydid not extend greater than 50%, and preferably not greater than 40%, ofa distance from outlet face 243 toward inlet face 242, the reference wasnot intended to include the extensions 268, 269. However preferably theextensions 268, 269 do not extend all the way to inlet face 242, morepreferably not more than 80% of the distance, most preferably not morethan 60% of the distance.

Referring to FIG. 11, strike plate arrangement 262 generally extendsaxially (rearwardly) toward inlet face 242 of media pack, 235, fromperimeter rim 260. The strike plate arrangement 262 comprises a pad 275secured to perimeter rim 260, with upwardly projecting, projections 276thereon. The operation of top strike plate arrangement 262 will beunderstood from description provided below.

Herein above, when the preferred distance of axial extension of theperimeter rim 260 from the outlet face 243 toward the inlet face 242 wasdescribed, there was no intent to reference the strike plate 262. Thestrike plate 262 however would preferably not extend toward inlet face242, from perimeter rim 260, a complete distance between the faces 242,243, and preferably not more than 80% of that distance.

Still referring to FIG. 11, the cartridge 205 can be characterized ashaving a first side or top 205 a, an opposite second side or bottom 205b and opposite third and fourth sides 205 c and 205 d, with roundedcorners 205 e; the terms “top” and “bottom” in this context referring tothe orientation of insertion into a housing 202, when positioned asshown in FIG. 6. With respect to this, strike plate 262 can be viewed asbeing on or adjacent top 205 a.

Referring to FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, the inlet end framework 239 comprisesa band or rim structure 280 circumscribing the media pack 235 adjacentthe inlet face 242. The particular inlet end framework 239 depictedincludes lip 281, FIGS. 11 and 12, extending a small amount over theinlet face 242. The inlet end framework 239 can be secured to the mediapack 235 by an adhesive or sealant. The inlet end band or rim 280 willsupport and protect the media pack 205, adjacent inlet face 242.Preferably rim 280 does not extend completely across media pack 235 fromend 242 to end 243. More preferably it extends no more than 50% of thatdistance, most preferably no more than 40% of that distance.

Referring to FIGS. 11-13, handle arrangement 238 comprises handle 228with side legs or extensions 285, 286. The preferred handle 228 ispositioned to extend across top side 205 a of media pack 205 in adirection generally parallel to inlet and outlet surfaces 242, 243. Theside extensions 285, 286 are configured to extend through handleconduits 271, 272 respectively. Referring to FIG. 21, each sideextension 285, 286 includes an end projection 288, 289 respectivelythereon, to prevent the handle arrangement 238 from being removed fromprojection through the extensions 268, 269, after assembly. Althoughalternatives are possible, preferably extensions 285, 286 and conduits271, 272 are sized and configured so that the handle 228 is slidablymounted, i.e., so it can slide between a lower, bottom or retractedposition as indicated in FIG. 12, and an upper, raised or extendedposition as indicated in FIG. 11. Typically projections 276 and pad 275are sized so that when the handle 228 is in the lower position, FIG. 12,its rests against strike plate arrangement 262.

Attention is directed to FIG. 13 in particular to axial pivotarrangement or projection 265.

The preferred axial pivot arrangement 265 comprises a base pivot 265 athat extends at least partially across second bottom side 205 b offilter cartridge 205, in a direction opposite top side 205 a and inextension between, but typically spaced from, sides 205 c, 205 d, asshown in FIG. 21. As shown in FIG. 13, axial base pivot arrangement 265is secured to, and projects outwardly from, perimeter rim 260. Itpreferably includes an axial projection 290 extending toward filtercartridge inlet end 242. Pivot arrangement 265 can be secured toperimeter rim 260, or can be configured integrally therewith.

Preferably axial base pivot 265 extends across bottom section 205 b offilter cartridge 205 a distance corresponding to at least 20% of adistance between opposite sides 205 c, 205 d, and typically at least 30%of that distance, most preferably at least 40% of that distance. Ininstances in which base pivot 265 is segmented, not shown, preferablythe entire length, between and including end segments, corresponds tosuch preferred lengths.

C. Installation of the Filter Cartridge in the Housing.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 16-18, in which housing base 202 a isdepicted schematically. (It is noted that detail such as bolt holes isnot provided.) FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view. Referring to FIG. 16,housing 202 includes cam or biasing (guide) arrangement 290 therein.Although alternatives are possible, the cam or biasing (guide)arrangement depicted comprises a biasing ramp or guide arrangement 291positioned on side wall 218. It is noted that, for the arrangementshown, an analogous biasing ramp or guide arrangement would be mountedas a mirror image, on an interior of side wall 217.

Each ramp or guide 291 includes a flared upper end 293, FIG. 18, flaredin extension away from outlet end 211. Further the ramp or guide 291includes a mounting base 294 and a slanted guide 295. Althoughalternatives are possible, the guide 295 typically extends at an angleA, FIG. 18, of 3° to 10°, for example 3° to 8° with respect to an axialdirection 231; with bottom end 295 a closer to housing outlet 211 andupper end 295 b further from housing outlet 211.

The ramp or guide arrangement 291 is positioned to be engaged by thefilter cartridge 204, (although alternatives are possible) by extensions268, 269 on filter cartridge 204, during assembly. Referring to FIG. 20,it can be seen that ramp or guide 291 (in this case the mirror imageramp to ramp or guide 291, FIG. 18) is positioned to engage a portion ofextension 268 defining conduit 271. In FIG. 19, this engagement is shownin side elevation. Referring to FIG. 19, as the filter cartridge 205 ispushed in the general direction of arrow 298, it will bias in thedirection of arrow 299, due to the slanted guide 295 engaging extension268. An analogous engagement will occur at the opposite side of thefilter cartridge 205. This engagement and biasing action, is a part ofthe operation between the filter cartridge 205 and the housing 202, toseal the filter cartridge 205 in position, by hand, during assemblyand/or service. It is noted that when the cartridge 205 is slid into thehousing base 202 a, in engagement with the biasing or guide arrangement290, outlet face 243 is directed upwardly and toward outlet end 211;and, inlet face 242 is directed downwardly and toward inlet end 210.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 17. From FIG. 17, it will beunderstood that bottom 216 of housing base 202 a includes axial pivotprojection 302 thereon. The projection 302 is a base axial pivotprojection positioned to be engaged, as described below, by base axialpivot 265 of filter cartridge 205, during assembly. Projection 302preferably includes a portion directed toward outlet 211. Althoughalternatives are possible, typically axial projection 302 extends anamount, between sides 217, 218, corresponding to at least 20% of thedistance between those sides (217, 218), typically an amountcorresponding to at least 30% of that distance, and in some instances anamount corresponding to at least 40% of that distance. Preferably, ifthe base projection is segmented, not shown, the complete length,between and including the outer most segments has a similar length. Thisbottom extension, in coordination with the preferred amounts ofextension for the pivot 265 a discussed above, provides for a relativelystable pivot arrangement, for the cartridge 205.

After insertion according to FIG. 19 is conducted, the air cleanerarrangement will have the general configuration shown, in fragmentaryview in FIG. 14 (or in FIG. 8). In particular, filter cartridge 205 willbe positioned with housing seal arrangement 237 partly positioned withinreceiver 305. Referring to FIGS. 16-18, the receiver 305 is defined bycircumferential perimeter flange 306. That is, when installed, housingseal arrangement 237 is pushed into the perimeter defined by flange 306,to form a radial seal therewith; the flange 306 being positioned aroundan outside of seal surface 237 a, FIG. 20.

In addition, referring to FIG. 14, after insertion of cartridge 205 withengagement of ramp or guide 291, FIG. 20, base pivot 265 will bepositioned axially adjacent housing projection 302, and generallybetween housing projection 302 and outlet end 211 of housing base 202 a.

Once the insertion position of FIG. 14 is accomplished, when the filtercartridge 205, for example by grasping handle 228, is axially pivoted inthe direction shown by arrow 310, FIG. 19, base pivot 265 on cartridge205, FIG. 14, will bias or pivot against projection 302. This will causethe seal arrangement 237 to be pushed (axially) into flange 306, in thedirection of arrow 310 a, to securely position the cartridge 205 withperimeter seal 237 secured within flange 306 as a radial seal, as shownin FIGS. 15 and 16. The particular radial seal described will sometimesbe referred to herein as a “outside” radial seal, since the housing sealsurface to which the seal arrangement 237 is secured, is positionedaround housing seal arrangement 237. (In schematic FIG. 15, the seal 237is not shown compressed or distorted, as it would be in typical use.) Itis noted that alternate seal arrangements, for example internal radialseals in which the seal member surrounds the housing seal flange, arepossible.

The particular pivot arrangement shown, is operated with no rotation ofthe seal arrangement 237 about an axial media pack axis extendingthrough the media pack between faces 242, 243. Such an axial rock, tipor tilt motion will sometimes be referred to as an exclusively axialrock, tilt or tip motion, or by variants thereof.

Referring to FIG. 14, to facilitate engagement for pivoting, pivotprojection 265 includes axial projection 290 thereon; and housinginternal projection 302 includes axial projection 302 a thereon. Theterm “axial,” in this context, is meant to refer to a direction in linewith a flow direction through the media pack 235 in use, generallyindicated by arrow 311, FIG. 15. For the particular arrangement shown,axial projection 290 is directed in an upstream direction, andprojection 302 a is directed in a downstream direction.

FIG. 15 is analogous to FIG. 14, except it depicts the arrangement withfilter cartridge 205 fully secured in a sealed position relative tohousing base 202 a.

After axial rocking into the position of FIG. 15, generally the filtercartridge handle 228 is lowered to the position shown in FIG. 13. Whenthe handle arrangement 238 is lowered, it will abut strike platearrangement 262. This is also shown in FIG. 12.

After this step of installation, the access cover 203 can be positionedas shown in FIG. 6.

Preferably the access cover 203 includes an inner surface 315, FIG. 24,with a projection arrangement 316 thereon that extends, when cover 203is in place, into interior 204 of housing 202. The projectionarrangements can be sized and positioned to help secure the cartridge205 in position. This will be understood by reference to FIGS. 25 and26.

Referring to FIG. 25, cover 203 and projection arrangement 316 are shownschematically, during a step of installation at cover 203. As the cover203 is lowered in the direction of arrow 320, a portion of filtercartridge 205, in this instance, handle 228, will be biased by surface316 in the general direction of arrow 321. The handle arrangement 238can be constructed with sufficient spring or flex, to allow for thismotion. In FIG. 26, a final lowering of cover 203 is shown, with handle228 biased and secured against movement in the general direction ofarrow 322, by projection 316. In this manner the cartridge 205 isprevented against backing out of a secured seal position by: projection316 and cover 203 on the upper or top side 205 a; and, projection 302against base pivot 265, FIG. 15, at a lower or bottom end 205 b.

D. An Example System, FIG. 27.

The reference numeral 330, FIG. 27, generally indicates an enginesystem. The engine system 330 includes an internal combustion engine332, such as a diesel engine, with an air intake system 333 including,among other things, turbocharger and after cooler arrangement 334, andan air cleaner or air cleaner assembly 335. For the particular engineshown, the turbocharger and after cooler arrangement 334 is positionedupstream of the air cleaner 335. Thus, after passage through theturbocharger and after cooler 334, air is forced through the air cleaner335 and into the air intake for the diesel engine 332. Large dieselengines rated at up to 750 horse power used with military vehicles,would be some typical examples of such an arrangement. The air cleanerdescribed in the previous drawings, for example at 200, FIG. 6, can beused with such equipment, and can be operated with an internal pressure,upstream of the filter media, of, for example, at least 45 psi. However,the techniques described herein can be applied in other systems also,including, for example, ones that do not have a turbocharger upstreamfrom the air cleaner.

E. Example Dimensions and Materials.

Filter cartridges according to the present disclosure can be made with avariety of sizes and dimensions. An example is one having: a height,i.e., distance between sides 245, 246, FIG. 11A, of at least 8 inches(20 cm), and typically within the range of 8-12 inches (20-30.5 cm), forexample about 10 inches (25 cm); a width, i.e., distance between sides247, 248, FIG. 11A, of at least 9 inches (22.9 cm), typically within therange of 9-13 inches (22.9-33 cm), for example about 11 inches (28 cm);and, a depth, i.e., distance between the inlet and outlet surfaces, ofat least 4 inches (10 cm), typically 4-8 inches (10-19.2 cm), forexample about 5 inches (12.7 cm).

Although alternatives are possible, arrangements of such sizes can bereadily configured utilizing z-filter media as characterized in sectionsI and II above.

A variety of materials can be utilized to form the various frameworkattached to the media pack arrangement. For example the perimeter rim260, handle support arrangement 261, outlet end media pack support grid263, pivot projection 265 and seal support extension 264 can be formed,integrally, as a single piece, for example as a cast aluminum piece. (Insome systems, it could be made as a plastic piece.)

The top strike plate arrangement 262 could also be integrally formedwith the above components, or it could be a separate piece, for examplefrom a different material, and be attached.

Of course the previously identified framework could be constructed fromother materials as well, in different systems.

The inlet end framework 239 can also be formed from a cast aluminumring. It could alternately be constructed from other materials, forexample as a molded plastic piece.

Although alternatives are possible depending upon the system, thehousing can, for example, be formed as cast metal pieces.

IV. A Second Example Air Cleaner Assembly

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 28-35, in which operation of amodified version of the assembly depicted in FIGS. 6-26 as depicted.

Referring to FIG. 28, air cleaner 400 includes filter cartridge 401 andhousing 402. The filter cartridge 401 may be generally analogous to thefilter cartridge described with respect to FIGS. 6-26. The housing 402may generally be analogous as well, except for detail as described. InFIG. 28, the air cleaner 400 is shown with the access cover removed andwith filter cartridge 401 partially inserted through open top 404. Theair cleaner housing 402 includes top 402 a, bottom 402 b and oppositesidewalls 402 c; only one sidewall being viewable in FIG. 28, theopposite sidewall being a mirror image.

Still referring to FIG. 28, housing 402 includes inlet 407 and outlet408. Analogously to the arrangement of FIG. 16, housing 402 includes aguide or ramp arrangement 410, comprising a biasing ramp or guide 411mounted on opposite sidewalls at a location behind, rearward or upstreamof an engaged portion of a filter cartridge 401 in use. Ramp or guidearrangement 410 may be generally analogous to ramp or guide 291described above.

The housing 402 further includes an internal upwardly directedprojection arrangement 414, for engagement with downwardly projectingarrangement 415 on the cartridge 401, to facilitate pivoting of thecartridge 401 into sealed position. This arrangement can be analogous toarrangement 302, FIG. 17.

Referring to FIG. 28, the air cleaner 400 includes a forward cam orguide arrangement 420. The forward cam or guide arrangement 420comprises cams or guides 421 positioned on the housing 402 at oppositesides of the air filter cartridge 401, only one cam or guide 421 beingviewable in FIG. 28. Forward cam or guide arrangement 420 is positionednear an upper end 402 a of the air cleaner housing 402, such that whencartridge 401 is completely inserted, extension 430, and an analogousextension on the opposite side of air cleaner 401, will be able to rockforward by passage of a portion underneath forward cams or guides 421.This will be understood from further description below.

Cam or guide 421 is positioned to engage extension 430, as the cartridge401 is inserted through open end 404, as will be apparent from furtherdescriptions.

As a result of forward cam arrangement 420, as the cartridge 401 isinserted into the housing 402, extension 430, and an analogous extensionon the opposite side of cartridge 401, will slide between the forwardcam or guide arrangement 420 and the biasing ramp or rear guidearrangement 411. Together, arrangements 420 and 411 are sometimesreferenced as a guide arrangement.

In FIG. 28, the air cleaner 400 is shown at an initial stage ofinsertion. In FIG. 29 air cleaner 400 is shown in a similar state, butfrom a perspective view. In FIG. 30, the cartridge 401 is shown furtherinserted, with the extension 430 now positioned between forward cam orguide 421 and biasing ramp or guide 411. An analogous engagement wouldbe occurring on an opposite side of cartridge 401. In FIG. 31 the aircleaner 400 is shown in an analogous state as in FIG. 30, except from aperspective view.

In FIG. 32, air cleaner 400 is shown with a cartridge 401 fully insertedin the housing 402, but not yet rocked into sealing condition. It can beseen that the forward cam or guide 421 is now positioned above sideextension 430. Thus, the cartridge 401 can rock forwardly. It is notedthat the housing bottom projection 414 is now engaged by projection 415on the cartridge 401.

Referring to FIG. 33, the air cleaner 400 is shown with the cartridge401 rocked into sealing engagement with the housing 402, and with thehandle 440 lowered.

In general, analogous features in the embodiment of FIGS. 28-33, tothose shown and described with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 6-26,operate analogously and can be characterized analogously. The principaldifference with respect to the new embodiment, relates to theutilization of the forward cam or guide arrangement 420, as part of theguide arrangement to facilitate positioning of the cartridge 401 in thehousing 420.

In FIG. 34, schematic depiction of cartridge 401 is shown, engagingforward cam or guide arrangement 420 and rear cam or guide arrangement410. In FIG. 34, the cartridge 401 is depicted just as the forward camor guide arrangement 420 begins to clear the extension 430 on the filtercartridge 401.

In FIG. 35, a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken along line 35-35,FIG. 34 is shown. In FIG. 35, the cartridge 401 is depicted withextension 430 thereon, having a lateral ear or projection 430 apositioned to engage forward cam or guide arrangement 420. The extension430 is sized to allow the guide 420 to clear it, by passage above it,and to avoid the handle 440, when the tilt, tip or rock of the cartridge401 into the seal position is conducted.

The forward cam arrangement 420, shown in the embodiments of FIGS.28-35, is particularly useful when the housing 400, FIG. 33, is to bepositioned, in use, with the outlet 408 tilted downwardly, as is shownin FIG. 33. Indeed in FIG. 33, the angle of tilt for the outlet 408 isgreater than 5°, on the order of 15°. When the housing 402 is orientedin this manner, the forward cam or guide 440 can prevent the cartridge401 from biasing against the seal surface at the outlet 408, before thecartridge 401 is in an appropriate position. The rear cam or guide 410,still operates to help direct cartridge 401 with the projection 415appropriately positioned with respect to housing projection 414, as itdoes in the previous embodiment.

In FIG. 36 a further alternate embodiment 600 is shown comprising afilter cartridge 601 and a housing 602. The cartridge 601 may generallyhave features similar to those previously discussed. The housing 602 issimilar including inlet 607, outlet 608, top 609 and bottom 610. Thedifference relates to biasing ramp or guide arrangement 620 comprisingfirst ramp 621 and second ramp 622. The first ramp 621 generallyoperates analogously to ramp 411, FIG. 33. The second ramp 622 isdifferent from arrangement 421, FIG. 33, however. First ramp 622 ispositioned in a location vertically overlapped with an upper portion 621a of ramp 621. That is, ramp 622 is not positioned above ramp 621, butrather at a similar vertical height. Secondly, the shape of ramp 622differs from cam or ramp 421, FIG. 33, in that ramp 622 includes a lowersection 622 a generally parallel with an opposite portion 625 of ramp621; and, an upper portion 622 b, which generally arcs away from ramp621, is a somewhat mirror image of upper portion 621 a. (In a typicalarrangement there would be a set of ramps 621, 622 on opposite sides ofthe housing 602.)

As a result of the configuration shown, ramp or guide arrangement 620provides a central channel 630, to facilitate positioning member 640 oncartridge 601 therebetween, for installation. Lower portion 622 a offorward ramp 622, is sufficiently short, i.e., terminates above 610 at alocation sufficient so that after installation of cartridge 601,cartridge 601 can be tipped forward, i.e., in the direction of arrow650, with member 640 passing underneath ramp 622, to allow the cartridge601 to be sealed in position for use.

In other general features, the arrangements 600 is similar to thosepreviously described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A filter cartridge comprising: (a) a filter mediapack arrangement having inlet and outlet ends and including filter mediacomprising corrugated media secured to facing media and defining aplurality of inlet flutes and outlet flutes; (i) the filter media packarrangement defining an inlet flow face and an opposite outlet flowface; (b) a housing seal support; (c) a pivot projection arrangementpositioned to extend away from the media pack arrangement; and, (d) ahousing seal member mounted on the housing seal support.
 2. A filtercartridge according to claim 1 including: (a) a handle arrangement.
 3. Afilter cartridge according to claim 2 wherein: (a) the handle isslidably mounted on the filter cartridge to be slideable between anextended position and a refracted position.
 4. A filter cartridgeaccording to claim 1 wherein: (a) the pivot projection arrangementincludes an axial projection arrangement thereon directed toward one ofthe inlet and outlet ends of the filter media pack.
 5. A filtercartridge according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the pivot projectionarrangement has a hook shape.
 6. A filter cartridge according to claim 1wherein: (a) the framework includes a perimeter rim extending around themedia pack arrangement adjacent the outlet flow face.
 7. A filtercartridge according to claim 6 wherein: (a) the framework includes agrid arrangement extending across the outlet flow face; and, (b) thehousing seal member is a radially directed seal member.
 8. A filtercartridge according to claim 7 including: (a) a perimeter rim securedto, and extending around, the media pack arrangement adjacent the inletend.
 9. A filter cartridge according to claim 8 wherein: (a) the mediapack arrangement comprises a coiled strip of media.
 10. An air cleanerassembly comprising: (a) a housing the housing having a seal surfacethereon; and, (b) a removable and replaceable filter cartridge accordingto claim 1 positioned on the housing interior with: (i) the housing sealmember sealed against the seal surface of the housing; and, (ii) theaxial pivot projection engaging the housing in a manner allowing thecartridge to rock into and out of sealing engagement with the housing.11. A filter cartridge comprising: (a) a filter media pack arrangementinlet and outlet ends and including filter media comprising corrugatedmedia secured to facing media and defining a plurality of inlet flutesand outlet flutes; (i) the filter media pack arrangement having firstand second opposite sides and defining an inlet flow face and anopposite outlet flow face; (b) framework secured to the filter mediapack arrangement including: a housing seal support; and, an axial pivotprojection arrangement; (i) the axial pivot projection arrangement beingpositioned to extend from the second side of the media pack arrangementin a direction away from the first side of the media pack; and, (c) ahousing seal member mounted on the housing seal support; (d) the filtercartridge being axially rockable with the axial pivot projectionoperating as a pivot, when installed in an air cleaner housing base, bya user rocking the media pack arrangement into and out of sealingengagement with the housing, without rotation of the housing seal memberaround a central axis.